I know I keep . . . disappearing . . . from my blog space for longer periods of time than usual. So I just want to assure you that I’m not going anywhere. And everything is well. It’s just been, well . . . some of this and a lot of that . . . lately. And while some of the “this” and most of the “that” could provide me with blog fodder for days . . . a lot of it really isn’t all that interesting (who wants to see more garden digging?) or it’s kind of icky (big old dog surgery scars anyone?) or isn’t my story to tell in the first place (enough said).
Here’s a quick and dirty update . . .
JoJo had another surgery last week. If you’re keeping track (and I certainly don’t expect you to be doing that!), this has been her fourth major procedure in 8 years. The poor thing is prone to cancerous tumors (both mast cell and sarcomas), and the reason we’ve gotten her to 13 1/2 years at this point . . . is a good vet and our “spidey-sense” when it comes to concerning lumps. But it does mean that she is “Frankendog” for yet another summer season. After a couple of off-days, she’s healing well now and is able to spend time in the garden with me again . . . if she wears a “dog-onesie” to protect her incisions from dirt. (The biggest incision is about 10 inches long – that was for the most troublesome lump – but she also has a couple of smaller incisions for unconcerning things the vet removed while-he-was-in-there. She also had an abscessed tooth removed.) The vet tells us our shared goal now . . . is to get her to 15!
Meanwhile, we’re also hosting one of our “grand-dogs” (Ferda) while Lauren and Brian focus on . . . things happening in Lauren’s family. Ferda is a good dog (and no stranger to dog-surgery herself), and she and JoJo get along really well, so while the timing isn’t great for an extra dog in our lives, we’re happy to have her – and happy to provide a level of assurance for Lauren and Brian during a rough time.
And the gardening is . . . always intense at this time of year. So there’s all of that, too. (Edited highlights and “tales” to come.)
So. Yeah. More along those lines. A little of this. A lot of that.
As for our Swimming Toad? Here he/she is. . . still intent on getting in the pond, but able to get out now, thanks to a new stack of rocks and bricks.
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And, just as a reminder, the Read With Us book discussion and Zoom meet-up for our current book selection, Good People, is coming right up on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Please RSVP for the Zoom by commenting here on this post, OR just send me an email. (You can use the handy reservation link in the sidebar.) And if you haven’t had a chance to read the book yet, you still have time! It’s a quick read. (I read it in 2 days.) I hope you’re planning to join us!
I’m sending all my healing and feel better vibes to JoJo, and I was glad to see her resting in the first picture. I’m happy the toad has an exit ramp, and I hope Ferda enjoys her visit. Now if we could just resolve a few other issues in the world, that would be good, too!
P.S. I will be there for the Good People Zoom.
Oh JoJo! LIke Bonny, I am sending all the healing and back to normal vibes her way! And I think it is a good thing to have a “recovery” buddy… so welcome sweet Ferda! And go toads… I think a toad who lives in your backyard is a wise toad indeed!
JoJo is so lucky to have such good pet parents! I hope she heals up quickly with all the love she is getting. Of course, Brian, Lauren, and Freda are very lucky to have you, as well as the swimming toad. Keep spreading that love like confetti, Kym, it always comes back one way or another.
Sending many more healing wishes for JoJo (such a GOOD dog!). I hope Ferda can keep her happy and entertained whilst she heals. It’s good to have a friend/buddy to help keep thoughts AWAY from your healing places. Good to read that your toad is sticking around too – it’s a good sign I think. Sending wishes for easy days ahead. Oh, and yes, I am looking forward to our Zoom meet up (though it feels like I read the book ages ago!!).
Scout and Comet are sending their best barky wishes to Jo Jo and know she is styling in her onesie!
Sometimes life just gets in the way of the things we would rather be doing. Its rather complicated times these days. We’ll always be here when you can be.
Sending healing wishes to Jojo and hope that things turn out okay for Ferda’s family.
I think a goal of getting JoJo to 15 is one worth working hard to achieve. She’s such a lucky dog to have wound up with you and Tom, especially given her initial purpose in life. Having Ferda must be fun and I hope the situation with Lauren’s family isn’t too terrible. I think your toad staircase is pretty smart. And hullo to Tom and some pretty plants.
Our black lab, Lilli, turned 15 this year! She is slowing down but otherwise in good health. Fingers crossed for JoJo getting to this milestone as well. xx
Deb
Healing thoughts for Jojo. Love that you made a way out for the toad.
I finished Good People yesterday and can’t wait to talk about it on the 9th.
Poor JoJo! She’s lucky to have such a great vet helping her to get to 15. I hope Ferda is providing good company and not too much energy while she recovers!
Life, eh? JoJo is lucky to have you guys.
I’m in! Love a some of this and a lot of that. And the toad living its best life.
Life doe get “life-y” at times. I hope Jo-Jo is on the mend – that sounds like a long incision and Ferda’s family is doing as well as can be expected. I think I will be able to join the Read With Us Zoom on June 9, you know depending upon life and a visit with our son.